Connections

The theme for this post has been rolling around in my head for probably a few weeks if not months now.  Obviously since it has been so long since I last posted, I haven't felt the need to actually write it out.  But I have been busy so that is what it is.

Anyway, I have been thinking a lot about connections and the connections we have with people specifically.  I have found myself in the last year not keeping up the connections I have made with family and friends.  Is it because I don't have a great way to communicate?  Of course not. I think that maybe we have too many ways to communicate.  I could Facebook you, call you, email you, send you a text and the list goes on and on.  But does that really help us to establish connections with each other?

All of this technology is both a blessing and a curse.  A blessing because we can be closer and know what is going on better.  My nephew who lives far away from me can still talk to me whenever he or I want.   We could get on Skype and see each other.  What a great blessing it is that he can know me even when he is little.  When we lived away from Utah when I was little, I didn't know my aunts and uncles like I did when we moved back to Utah. Sometimes its a curse because we think that just doing the small things like sending a message or a text will replace face to face contact.

Recently, some friends and I started spending more time together face to face and I am loving it! How wonderful it is to go to their house, feel the spirit that resides there and have a real conversation.  Don't get me wrong, I still send them texts, write on Facebook and email but just seeing their expressions, the tone of their voices and their love for me was priceless.

Does technology have a place in our lives?  Yes, it does but does it sometimes replace what is meant to be a human experience we are having on the earth?  Maybe it does sometimes.  I am as guilty as anyone for not nurturing those relationships to the best of my ability.  I am trying. I am trying to make more meaningful connections with my family and my friends.

I am reminded of a talk in General Conference that struck me especially hard.  I feel like I have no time to finish school, prepare Seminary lessons, do meal planning etc but I have the same amount of time as everyone else.  Am I using my time wisely?  Am I spending my limited time on things that have worth?  Am I really doing my personal scripture study or just sliding by?

It is a personal conversation that we each need to have with ourselves and have often.  I need to reevaluate how I spend my time and do a better job at managing it.  If I do that, I can make those connections that I want more meaningful and be the kind of daughter, sister and friend I want to be.